The Civil War was about to end, but one woman's struggle with her conscience had just begun.

After the mysterious death of her husband, Virginia decides to move west with a stranger who promises her a pot of gold. With her sickly daughter, Triste, in-tow, they encounter the unexpected, An event that changes their lives forever. ( )

Good book. I didn't like all the characters. For example the main character was not sympathetic character at all in the beginning. But still the characters were one of its best features. It was a good book. ( )

It's the summer of 1863 and Virginia Mae Mercy lived in Geneva, Kansas but she had always dreamed of starting over someplace else. Unhappy with her life and marriage to Private Daniel (Birdy) Steppenship she wished him dead, shortly after this happens her father is also killed and she decides she needs to take her eight year old daughter Triste and Rusty, Triste's beloved dog and head off to Idaho for that new beginning. They meet up with some other travelers and because of the fear of renegade Indians they form a wagon train and start on the journey west, but before they reach their destination their fears are realized and they are captured by a band of Indians. Will anyone from the wagon train survive?

There were many facets to the character of Virginia Mae Mercy. She was a woman who knitted socks for the soldiers, she was married to Birdy but was unsure of who Triste's father was, Virginia thought it might be Birdy but it might have been the preacher or even her own father. While I could easily understand why she wanted to find a new beginning, it really didn't seem like the wisest decision especially so shortly after delivering babies not to mention the Indian issues. I was also a bit surprised that she left her mother Hattie behind.It was said that Triste was born with a slow brain but she was such a sweet girl and I hoped that her gift with animals would have been explored a bit more because it sounded intriguing. It was sad that she had to leave her pony Teddy behind.I always enjoy when an author includes a dog in a story and with this story we had Triste's loyal dog Rusty. I loved the historical aspects of this novel, from the civil war references to the Indian problems to the journey westward made for an interesting story.

For me "A Death For Beauty," was in some instances dark and often sad but the characters really touched my heart and stayed with me long after the final pages of the story. ( )

I initially had a difficult time getting into this novel. I found it a bit hard to follow, with the different characters and background storylines. However, once I started the second half of the novel, I had trouble putting it down. This second part is essentially a captivity narrative (think Mary Rowlandson's narrative written in 1682). It is also reminiscent of James Fillimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans, as it is exciting, dramatic, and has many twists and turns. It also portrays Native Americans in a mostly negative light, which I realize was the author's intent but still bothers me some. Still, I would recommend reading this novel for this second half alone.

The amount of research that Alberto put into this novel is obvious. It is a certainly well thought out and well executed story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American history (Civil War era) and anyone who likes reading about the role of women in American history.

(also, thanks to Alberto for sending this to me - I really enjoyed it!) ( )

It is not often that I read a novel that I would personally consider to be a masterpiece. Alberto Rios Arias has done just that with A Death For Beauty. Making no apologizes for the character and lifestyle of Virginia Mae Mercy, her story is laid bare before the reader. Love her or hate her, you will definitely be moved by the story of her life.

Filled with rich imagery, I was totally enthralled through the whole story, laughing on some occasions, and actually weeping in others. The depth of the author's study and research of the particular time frame in American history is without equal. I found the situations and characters to be true to life, and no effort was made to "sanitize" or make allowances for the characters and their failings.

Life hands some of us some truly horrendous circumstances, and good or bad, we are shaped by them. I found Mr. Arias' ability to see into his character and bring her to life to be extraordinary.

There is a truly magical and redemptive quality to the novel. I found the actual autobiographical information about the author and his fight with Marfan's Syndrome to add an additional depth to the story, and I felt the personal journey of his own life added even more depth and character to his perception of Virginia Mae Mercy. I urge all readers to carefully and thoroughly read both the prologue of the story, and the additional information about the author.

Some readers will find this a difficult read, and in some cases, it is. However, you will find yourself moved and touched by the character of Virginia Mae Mercy in ways you can't truly understand until you read her story.

I strongly urge you read this book. It may very well change how you view certain aspects of life, hardship and death. ( )